Kenosha and Sister City Wolfenbüttel to Kick Off 9th Annual Oktoberfest with Ceremonial Keg Tapping at Union Park Tavern
Kenosha, WI – The long-standing bond between Kenosha and its sister city Wolfenbüttel, Germany, will be celebrated at this year’s 9th Annual Union Park Tavern & MGV Harmonia Oktoberfest, taking place Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2025. This year’s festivities carry even deeper significance, commemorating Kenosha’s 175th anniversary alongside the emerald anniversary of the Kenosha–Wolfenbüttel connection established in 1970.
In a transcultural celebration, Mayor David Bogdala of Kenosha and Mayor Ivica Lukanic of Wolfenbüttel will come together—via livestream—for the traditional keg-tapping ceremony in Union Park Tavern’s biergarten, officially opening Kenosha’s Oktoberfest in sync with the celebrated timing in Germany.
“This is a wonderful way to honor both our history as a city and our ongoing partnership with Wolfenbüttel,” said Mayor Bogdala. “Oktoberfest brings our community together with great food, music, and tradition.”
This ever-growing festival expands far beyond the tavern’s walls. As Angie Cook, co-owner of Union Park Tavern, explains: “Expanding into Union Park allows us to create a true festival experience while still keeping the heart of the event right here at home.”
Her partner, fellow co-owner Ben DeSmidt, adds: “It’s amazing to see how much this has grown over the years. We started Oktoberfest to celebrate German culture and community, and now it’s something people look forward to all year.”
Organized in partnership with Visit Kenosha and supported by the Kenosha Art Market, this year’s Oktoberfest brings a full neighborhood celebration, spilling into adjacent Union Park with two days packed with German culture, food, and fun.
Festival Highlights
Saturday, September 20:
9:00 AM – Early brunch and drinks at Union Park Tavern.
1:00 PM – Official kickoff with the ceremonial keg tapping in the biergarten, led by Mayor David Bogdala and joined virtually by Mayor Ivica Lukanic and members of Kenosha’s sister city Wolfenbüttel, Germany, honoring the emerald anniversary of the partnership.
Live music from Hungry 5 and Friends, Union Park Kickerz, Floral Gin, and Blue Moon Posse, plus MGV Harmonia performances.
Crowd favorites: UPT Pretzel, Brat & Beer Oktoberfest Challenge, Stein Hoisting Contest, Miss Oktoberfest, and the Dachshund Dash.
Pig roast in the biergarten, vendor market, axe throwing, Kid’s Zone (bounce house, face painting, and Fizzy Bizz), plus shirt pressing on-site.
After Union Park closes at 9 PM, festivities continue indoors with live music.
Sunday, September 21:
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Relaxed German breakfast in the park, with continued cultural performances and the Kenosha Art Market (10 AM – 2 PM).
All-day enjoyment back at the tavern with food, music, and German-themed fun.
This year’s Oktoberfest not only offers a rich roster of entertainment and activities but also benefits MGV Harmonia, as the food and raffle proceeds support its mission to preserve German-American musical heritage.
For full details and event schedules, visit:
VisitKenosha.com/Oktoberfest
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EHjoci98d/
About Union Park Tavern & MGV Harmonia Oktoberfest
In its ninth year, the Union Park Tavern & MGV Harmonia Oktoberfest remains Kenosha’s most beloved and authentic German cultural event. Co-hosted by Union Park Tavern and MGV Harmonia German-American Choir—with vital support from Visit Kenosha, area businesses, and dedicated sponsors—it transforms Union Park into a festive hub of music, food, and community each fall.